CHAPTER XIV
The Second Generation
| The younger generation does not want instruction. It is perfectly willing to instruct if anyone will listen to it. —The Education of Otis Yeere. |
The second generation gave little thought to what was filling the minds of the first settlers tonight. The company was a large one and a dozen years later more than one young matron remembered Thaine Aydelot’s birthday party as the beginning of a romance that ended happily for her.
“Jo, you are the queen of the ball tonight,” Todd Stewart, Junior, declared, as he led her to the cool veranda after their fourth dance together.
Jo looked the part in the moonlight, as in the lamplight.
“Oh, no, I’m not. Leigh Shirley is Thaine’s favorite, and his choice is queen tonight,” Jo said coquettishly.
“Darn him! We all know who his choice is, all right,” Todd said. “But, Jo, can’t a fellow have half a chance, anyhow? You know, you can’t help knowing a lot of us would fight for you.”